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MCI → OAK
Which side of the plane to sit from Kansas City International Airport (Kansas City) to Metropolitan Oakland International Airport (Oakland)?
Right Side of the Plane
While both sides offer stunning views of the American West, the right side is the winner for its proximity to Lake Tahoe and the spectacular aerial views of the San Francisco skyline and bridges during the descent into the Bay Area.
Search flights from MCI to OAK
Missouri River
The winding river border between Missouri and Kansas immediately after takeoff from MCI.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Snow-capped peaks and high-alpine tundra north of the flight path as you enter Colorado.
Great Salt Lake
The shimmering white expanse of the salt flats and the southern edge of the massive lake in Utah.
Lake Tahoe
The brilliant sapphire blue of North America's largest alpine lake nestled in the Sierra Nevada.
San Francisco Skyline
An iconic view of the Salesforce Tower, Transamerica Pyramid, and the Bay Bridge during descent.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights as the sun will be on the opposite side of the aircraft. Keep your camera ready approximately 40 minutes before landing for Lake Tahoe. If the flight enters OAK via the Golden Gate approach, you will see the bridge and the city skyline perfectly.
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Great Plains Grids
Intricate circular irrigation patterns and vast agricultural landscapes across Kansas and Colorado.
Pikes Peak
Look for this iconic 14,000-foot summit as you cross the southern Colorado Front Range.
Utah Canyonlands
Breathtaking views of the red rock plateaus and deep carved canyons of the Colorado Plateau.
Mojave Wilderness
The stark, beautiful transition from the Great Basin into the high desert landscapes.
South Bay Salt Ponds
Vibrant, multicolored salt evaporation ponds near the San Mateo Bridge during final approach.
Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid direct sunlight and glare. This side provides a better angle for spotting the southern reaches of the Rocky Mountains and the colorful mineral pools in the South San Francisco Bay as you bank toward Oakland.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 2,391 km (1,486 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 11 min
Departure: MCI (39.2976, -94.713898)
Arrival: OAK (37.721298, -122.221001)
Route Type: Domestic
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